Fiji: Tropical Cyclone Ella to impact northern islands May 15 /update 1

Event

A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Rotuma as Tropical Cyclone Ella continues to track westward and is projected to pass just to the south of the northern island. As of the morning of Sunday, May 14, the cyclone was located southeast of the island and on a trajectory to pass 50 km (31 mi) south of Rotuma at 09:00 (local time) on May 15, likely causing damaging gale force winds.

As of May 14, Ella was considered a Category 1 storm.

Context

Tropical cyclone season typically ends in the southern hemisphere at the end of April. A Category 1 storm is classified as having sustained winds of 63-88 km/h (39-55 mph) with gusts up to 125 km/h (78 mph).

Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji in 2016, officially considered the strongest tropical cyclone in the South Pacific on record.

Advice

Individuals present in Fiji are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, to keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and to be prepared for transportation disruptions until the situation normalizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and foodstuffs disposed of.